Pirates Rookie Konnor Griffin Begins Rehab Assignment; Jared Jones Cleared of Elbow Damage

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin began a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Tuesday night, the club announced, marking a key step in his recovery from a right forearm strain that has sidelined him since May 31.

Griffin, 20, made his major league debut with the Pirates on April 3 and signed a nine-year, $140 million contract just five days later. In 51 games this season, he has posted a .270 batting average with four home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. The team has not set a specific timetable for his activation from the injured list.

“We’re going to take it day by day and just see how he’s responding to everything,” manager Don Kelly said before Tuesday’s game against Seattle. “Sounds like yesterday and today went well with the challenging throws on relays and stuff in the hole. Just get him back into game action and see how he’s doing with the arm, rhythm and timing of the at-bats. Look to get him back up here soon, hopefully.”

In separate injury news, further imaging on right-hander Jared Jones’ right elbow showed no structural damage after he exited Sunday’s game in the third inning when he was hit by a line drive from Colorado’s JT Rumfield. The team said Jones will start against Cincinnati on Saturday if he completes a bullpen session without incident on Wednesday.